Everyone has, at one point or another, suffered the tragic problem known as lost luggage, delayed luggage or damaged luggage. Because there are always going to be those idiots that bring too much junk back from a trip and cause someone else's luggage to be put onto another flight, causing delays. Here are some tips about how to get reimbursed for it
Do airlines have to compensate you for lost luggage?
-Yes. The airline has to reimburse you for the cost of your bag and its contents. They can reimburse you up to the maximum amount of liability set for domestic / international flights. You can also be reimbursed for checked-bag fees. The maximum amount of reimbursement for domestic flights is around $3,800 while international flights is around $1,780 according to DOT regulations. The airlines can reimburse you more than that, but they are not required to do so.
Do airlines have to compensate you for delayed luggage?
-Airlines have gotten more advanced in years past. If your luggage is lost at a busy airport or small airport, it is eventually found. You should file a missing luggage report ASAP. The airline must compensate you for incidental expenses. According to DOT regulations, for domestic flights, the maximum liability is $3,800 and for international flights it's $1,780.
How to get a refund if luggage is lost?
-The second you realize your bag is missing, go to the baggage claim desk and file a claim for lost luggage. Put in a request to have delivery to your home, hotel or airline. Also ask for a baggage-fee refund and ask about policies for incidental compensation (only do this if you need toiletry items and other items until your bag arrives). Many airlines allow this after 24 hours
-Get the tracking number for your bag, go onto your airlines' site and track your missing luggage. If it doesn't arrive, contact the airline after a few days and inquire about its whereabouts and if it's lost and ask about how to file a claim. Yes, you have to file another claim. It was initially considered delayed, now it's lost. In this new claim, detail everything in the bag for reimbursement. If you have receipts for items you lost, include those as well
-Check credit cards and travel insurance to see what benefits you have. Also check homeowners insurance. Keep receipts of any incidentals for reimbursement. When and if your bag does arrive, check it for any damage or missing items and file a claim for damaged luggage. It takes about a week to receive the reimbursement while during the COVID-19 pandemic it took only 24 hours to receive these funds
How long does it take to get lost luggage returned?
-Many factors go into account here. How many airlines are involved? If you're dealing with multiple airlines because of connecting flights, this could make a sticky situation out of your trip. Another factor is the individual airline's tracking system. The better the system, the faster they find your luggage.
-Your bag could be anywhere. Maybe it never got on the flight? Maybe it was placed on the wrong plane? Most airlines will consider your luggage officially lost between 5-14 days post flight
What's the best way to prevent lost luggage?
-Skip checking your bags all together and bring them as carry-ons. This is the smartest thing to do, if possible. Label your luggage inside and outside. Make direct flights if possible, no layovers. Use the apps Tile or Apple AirTag to track the luggage yourself.
-Prior to going to the airport, take pictures of your luggage and the contents of your suitcase. That way, when you file lost luggage reimbursement claims, the airline can identify those suitcases and the contents within.
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